Camera Technology
Photography is all about capturing light. In fact, the etymology of the word “photograph” is basically “light drawing.” To make a photograph that we can see, we have to control both the amount of light that is exposed to a photosensitive surface, be it film or a digital sensor, and also control the sensitivity of that surface to the light. In this series, we will discuss a bit of the physics and characteristics of light and then how a camera and lens combine to control exposure by using what is commonly known as the “Exposure Triangle.”
GigaPan technology first made a big splash during President Obama’s inauguration in 2009, where it was used to capture a rather phenomenal photograph of the crowds that gathered in the Washington Mall. Wolf Blitzer was like a kid in a candy store, and kept looking in on the progress of the picture as it evolved. Since then, amazing GigaPan images have been used to capture international sports competitions, political conventions, the Space Shuttle Discovery and the
In this B&H video clip, go behind the scenes to learn about shooting and producing a videotaped interview. Watch the B&H crew as they document the work of stop-motion artist Meagan Cignoli—from preproduction to follow up. Whether it’s shooting B-roll or engaging the subject, you’ll discover that it’s not as simple as lights, camera, and action. You’ll learn tips, such as moving the furniture to create distance between the subject and the wall, and discover how using multiple cameras and lights to capture complimentary angles can help
Trying to pick out the perfect holiday gift for your niece, nephew, or other young person in your life can be difficult. Usually the last thing they want is a new sweater or something they would rather choose for themselves. Clearly, some of the best gifts are those that educate, inspire, and stimulate their developing minds. These are noble and commendable goals, and guaranteed to be a hit with parents. However, to be successful with recipients, gifts should provide hours of entertainment, as well. There’s nothing better than giving the gift
In the following video, Allan Weitz introduces us to the compact DxO Labs ONE Digital Camera, a capable unit that plugs into an iOS device with a Lightning connector. Weitz starts by describing the excellent 20.2MP BSI CMOS sensor at its core and how working with the 32mm equivalent f/1.8 lens provides exceptional image quality. The video also details the raw and SuperRAW modes, which further enhance the files for maximum dynamic range and
How does a rangefinder camera work? What were the landmarks in rangefinder camera design? How have they influenced photography over the years? What are their pluses and minuses compared to SLRs? What do they do best, and why?
In the late 19th Century, there were two dominant camera types:
1. View cameras that required you to compose the shot upside-down and in reverse on a ground glass, and focus by moving the lens back and forth until the subject looked sharp. You then inserted a plate or sheet film holder in the exact same image plane, and
In the following video, Larry Becker takes a quick look at the Tether Tools TetherBoost USB 3.0 Core Controller and how it helps to improve your signal strength when shooting tethered. Designed specifically for many current DSLRs and digital backs, this device maintains a stable connection between your camera and computer when shooting, and helps to alleviate dropped connections. Becker highlights its ease of use, how to
Canon has announced a new ultra-high-resolution sensor intended for use in specialized industrial equipment and instrumentation, as well as surveillance and crime-prevention tools. Although Canon mentioned its potential use in the “field of visual expression,” no specific camera series was cited to be in development for this sensor as of yet.
The sensor is a 29.2 x 20.2mm APS-H format CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 250MP. It will offer the highest number of pixels (19,580 x 12,600) for a CMOS sensor smaller than the full-frame
There is a great deal of confusion surrounding crop factor, and it is particularly difficult to explain, but let’s give it a try, shall we?
Before we dive in, let me dispel two vicious rumors related to crop factor that are circulating through the photography (Internet) world today:
Crop factor does NOT affect a lens’s focal length.
Crop factor does NOT affect a lens’s aperture.
Before you scroll to the bottom of the screen to leave a comment to the contrary, let me explain why I am stating these facts…
With a newfound appreciation for older manual-focus glass through the use of adapters on contemporary cameras, users and manufacturers have been seeking ways to make focusing easier through a variety of different techniques. One of these techniques is focus peaking, an aid that has been very common with videographers and filmmakers, but is just now finding its way into photographers' hands. This is, in part, due to the fact that digital cameras are further blurring the lines between still and video formats.
Focus peaking works by detecting
Welcome to FocusED, a series of short and entertaining videos on general photography topics from B&H Photo. In this series, we will cover specific areas of photography in an easy-to-understand, amusing fashion that is perfect for the beginner photographer just entering the world of photography, or for the seasoned shooter looking to brush up on the basics and have a few laughs on the way.
FocusED is focused on education, and these videos are a perfect place to help form a solid foundation for exploring your world with a camera.
In
When the term “dynamic range” is mentioned, many people will quickly think of HDR, or “High Dynamic Range.” With this term, and technique, so popular in the world of photography, it is rarely ever considered what dynamic range actually is, let alone why you would want it to be “high.” In short, dynamic range describes the measurement between maximum and minimum values. While not specific to photography, in this article on dynamic range in photography we can interpret dynamic range as the measurement between the whitest whites and the blackest
There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding Depth of Field. In Part I, we looked at the basics of DOF. Part II got into the math behind how to calculate DOF. Here, in Part III, I hope to dispel and/or explain these myths and misconceptions.
DOF versus Background Blur versus Focus
If you are reading about photography on the Internet,
Many years ago, back in the days of wired telephones and film, most photographers did not give white balance (WB) or color temperature much thought. Those who did would carry around color-correction filters to screw onto the front of their lenses that would cancel out the color casts of the artificial or natural light illuminating a scene. If you were paying attention back in those ancient times, you may have noticed that some film was marketed specifically for indoor or outdoor use or specific light sources.
My guess is that many digital
One of the wonderful things that modern electronic digital and film cameras give you is many high-tech options for your image making. One of the horrible things that modern electronic digital and film cameras give you is many high-tech options for your image making. Sometimes, confusion ensues. And, very often, confusion starts with the camera’s modes. Adding to the confusion, a little bit, is the fact that not all camera manufacturers agree on how to label similar modes. [Hi, Canon! Hi, Pentax!] Adding even more confusion, when some